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Ohio State football RB James Peoples ready to step into big role, embraces tandem system
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- Ohio State football RB James Peoples ready to step into big role, embraces tandem system
During Ohio State 's 2024 season, James Peoples was viewed as the heir apparent at running back.
TreVeyon Henderson was a senior. Quinshon Judkins was regarded as a one-year player for the Buckeyes . Now both are off to the NFL after gaining more than 1,000 yards apiece in helping Ohio State win the national championship.
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Peoples learned from Henderson and Judkins, and he saw the benefits of sharing the load. He saw how fresh Henderson and Judkins were at the end of OSU's championship run. That's why the sophomore welcomes the addition of West Virginia transfer C.J. Donaldson , who ran for 2,058 yards and 30 touchdowns in three seasons for the Mountaineers.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back James Peoples (20) runs during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center in Columbus on March 19, 2025.
"Actually, I would prefer that," Peoples said of a tandem system. "(It helps) your body longevity and your lifespan in the (NFL), so it's a big help. I do see us doing that again.
"Ultimately, it's up to (running backs coach Carlos Locklyn). But I do feel like that's what's going to be here."
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Henderson and Judkins were friendly competitors last year as each embraced sharing the load. Peoples and Donaldson have the same mindset.
" James Peoples , he's a great competitor," Donaldson said. "When I first got here in the winter, he pushed me day in and day out. We were doing sleds, and he was kicking my butt day in and day out. That just helped me improve my game and step up as the player that I need to be."
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A year ago, Peoples ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns in 49 carries, mostly at the end of blowouts. He has added weight and now is about 210 pounds. At the NFL combine, Henderson likened Peoples to former Buckeye star J.K. Dobbins because of their similar frame and running style.
Peoples' eyes lit up when asked about Henderson's comment.
"I grew up watching J.K. because I grew up an Ohio State fan," Peoples said. "There are similarities in our games, just how he's a one-cut slasher. But, of course, I am my own back."
Like Dobbins, Peoples grew up in Texas . Peoples said he was a Buckeyes fan because his dad is from Cleveland and his mom is from Youngstown.
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"I grew up watching Ohio State," Peoples said. "My dad would always turn it on on Saturdays."
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He's well aware of the history of great Buckeye running backs and the opportunity and the pressure to become the next one.
"It's a great honor," Peoples said. "This is RBU (Running Back University), and it always has been since I was growing up watching them. To be the next one in line potentially – I've got to work for it – but it's an honor and I take it humbly. There's a lot that goes with that."
Ohio State Buckeyes running backs coach Carlos Locklyn talks to running backs, from left, C.J. Donaldson, James Peoples, Bo Jackson and Sam Williams-Dixon during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025.
Part of it is pleasing Locklyn, which is no easy task.
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"He's pushing to be great," Locklyn said. "I think he had a great example last year with Tre and Q. He's doing some really good things. But coach Lock ain't going to make it easy for nobody."
Peoples welcomes that.
"No matter who you are or how highly touted you are, there's always something he's going to nitpick on," he said. "He's going to push you to get better because that's going to bring out the best in you in every situation."
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: James Peoples, Ohio State football RB, embraces tandem system
